The great attraction Peter Barnwell says tweaks make Chinese ute a more tractable conveyance. The evolution of Great Wall sees the latest version of the diesel 4×4 dual cab ute (and the SUV) coming in for some subtle revision that makes it a better mouse trap.
The first ute was rough around the edges and looked strange. That was fixed and now the six speed manual transmission change action has been refined in the 2.0-litre turbodiesel to an acceptable level, comparable with its competitors.
The indirect, long throw gate that was too far away from the driver has given way to a more precise mechanism. It makes a big difference to the vehicle’s drive feel.
The engine has been tweaked to give better response and fuel economy but a slight reluctance to drop revs when changing gears is annoying. You can live with it with an eye on the price.
The first GW ute steering was disconcerting but that has been addressed. If I was a Great Wall engineer, I would give the ute a tighter turning circle to get one up on the other vehicles in the class, all of which turn like double decker buses.
We had a drive in the dual cab Great Wall turbodiesel 4×4 last week and it was interesting to mentally compare this one with the first 2.4-litre petrol device we drove a couple of years ago.
It has come a long way and, though not quite up to the same level as “Japanese” Thai-built utes in terms of engine performance and refinement, it is closer, and there’s always the price to keep in mind.
The 4×4 dual cab diesel we took for a punt sells for $27,990 drive away, tens of thousands less than a “Japanese” ute with similar spec It makes a big difference to the lease payment when you are a small business owner or fleet operator. That’s why Great Wall utes are marching out the door.
You get plenty of kit for the price including alloy wheels, aircon, power windows, remote central locking rear bumper, steering wheel audio controls and leather upholstery to name a few goodies. Spec up a Hilux or BT50 to that level and it will be over $50,000 by the time you get it on the road.
The Great Wall even had a rubber load tray mat in the back for protection. We found the vehicle’s ride to be good even unladen and 2.0-litre engine performance was acceptable.
Power and torque is rated at 105kW/310Nm while fuel economy is rated at 8.3-litres/100km. It’s the same size as other one tonners offering a decent size load space and a one tonne payload. We weren’t able to take it off road but the 4×4 system offers selectable high and low-range 4WD and high range 2WD button selected on the dash.
Towing capacity is two tonnes with a braked trailer. The ute is fitted with dual front airbags and ABS. It wouldn’t get a five star rating without adding more airbags and stability control at least.
The X200 diesel auto is a game changer for Great Wall as it pushes the SUV into uncharted territory, reports PETER BARN WELL GREAT Wall is about to tick over 20,000 sales in this country, many of which were the X200/240 SUV.
It sells on price but now there’s more to recommend the medium-size Chinese SUV, especially the availability of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The first X240 ran a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox and was just OK.
The diesel auto now pushes the X200 into uncharted territory for the brand. It is now knocking on the door of its competition, offering turbodiesel economy and strong mid-range throttle response plus the convenience and smooth drive feel of a good (Korean-made) automatic.
PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Of course, it has extremely generous equipment as standard and also has on-demand all-wheel drive complete with 4WD lock up if you get caught in a slippery situation.
Still bargain priced, often up to $10,000 less than comparable vehicles similarly specified, the new powertrain gives X200 much more appeal and is priced from a tempting $28,990″ drive away.
That’s for a five-seater, turbodiesel auto SUV with on-demand all-wheel drive, a four-star crash rating, leather, alloys, climate control airconditioning, Bluetooth phone, disc brakes front and rear, power windows and door locks, rain sensing wipers and auto headlights plus other goodies.
Price up something like a Nissan X-Trail to similar specifications and you’ll need a good sit down.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine is a 2.0-litre turbo four with a maximum output of 105kW and 310Nm of torque, the latter from 1800rpm. It consumes fuel at a claimed combined rate of 9.2-litres/100km.
The five-speed auto offers a sequential change mode and drive goes mostly through the front wheels with the rear axle engaged as needed.
ON THE ROAD
The X200 is built on the same ladder chassis as Great Wall’s X240/200 ute, but you wouldn’t know
driving down the road.
The SUV has a much more compliant ride, lower noise levels and better feel than the ute.
The steering isn’t quite where it should be and flooring the accelerator off the line causes some lag it’s best to squeeze it from a standstill.
The engine isn’t as refined as some but won’t annoy once you are up and running.
While the interior isn’t as slick as the competition it’s functional and the dash controls are easy to use.
There’s a good-size (expandable) load space and a full-size spare under the floor.
We like the look of the new X200 better than the first-generation model and it’s nearly comparable with something with a Japanese-build plate.
Like the V200 diesel ute we drove a couple of weeks ago, this new Great Wall is a big step up the ladder in many respects when compared with earlier vehicles.
THE VERDICT
The latest X200 is better to drive, better to look at, better riding and better built.
Like the ute, it’s not far away from full confrontation with its Japanese (and European) competition. Hopefully Great Wall can keep the price super competitive.
With about 210,000 units sold around the world since its launch in 2010 – including about 11,000 units locally - ASX* has proved to be a global success for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), as well as a successful embodiment of the innovative and versatile MMC-engineered Project Global architecture**.
Building on this solid foundation, Mitsubishi Motors today staged the world debut of a new look version of its compact crossover at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.
To be launched in Australia later this year, this latest ASX sports a reshaped front face whose softer outline reflects the gradual transformation of Mitsubishi’s design language and visual identity towards a “Solid – Safe – Simple” engineering-driven look. Likewise, the rear bumper has been updated to complement the redesigned front face.
Detailed Australian specifications will be announced at a later stage, closer to market introduction.
*”RVR” in Japan / “Outlander Sport” in North America
**Outlander II, Lancer & Lancer Evolution, Delica D:5, ASX
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) ended the first quarter of 2012 on a high note registering an all-time March record for imported vehicles with 6,007 units.
The stand out performer in March was Triton 4×4, retailing 1,186 units and strengthening its place as Australia’s third best-selling utility in a highly competitive segment. Triton 4×2 came in at 535 units, also taking third spot in its respective segment.
Overall MMAL’s SUVs performed extremely well, with total SUV sales of 2,470.Pajero was the strongest performer in March with 638 units, a massive 58.3 percent increase over the March 2011 result. This growth was almost three times greater than the SUV Medium segment which increased by 20.6 per cent for the month.
Challenger also ended the month strongly with 202 units, a healthy 14.8 percent jump over the same month in 2011.
The city-sized ASX enjoyed its best ever result since launch with 748 units while Outlander recorded a respectable 882 units, more than 24 per cent up on March 2011.
Vice-president of sales, Anthony Casey, said the strong March result, particularly in SUVs, was a reflection of MMAL’s commitment to responding to consumer needs.
“Mitsubishi is committed to sustainable, consistent growth, and with an exciting range of products coming to the Australian market during 2012-13 we are confident of growing the Mitsubishi brand well into the future,” he said.
Year-to-date, MMAL has recorded 15,739 units, a 2.8 per cent increase on 2011’s first quarter results.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the winners of its annual service skills competition, held recently at the company’s South Australian head office.
Queensland claimed a double win with the Mitsubishi Technician of the Year title going to Rod Howes from Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi, Ipswich, while Carla Smith from Len Patti Mitsubishi, Toowoomba, took out Mitsubishi’s Service Advisor of the Year.
The announcement came following a full program of tough testing throughout 2011, with more than 800 Mitsubishi service staff competing across a range of events.
MMAL’s National Service Manager, David Budden, was impressed with the extensive knowledge shown by all contestants in the final competition saying he believes the service skills competition plays an important role in continually lifting the standard of service for Mitsubishi’s customers.
“All contestants performed to the highest standard and showed great knowledge in their respective fields.This competition allows individual technicians and service advisors to improve their diagnostic and customer service skills, while recognisingthose who strive to reach their maximum potential,” Mr Budden said.
Technician of the Year, Rod Howes, was up against tough competition but managed to keep his cool to take the title.
“The other competitors were great, so it was tough going especially dealing with the extra pressure of time limits to complete each section,” he said.
Carla Smith claimed back-to-back Service Advisor of the Year titles, drawing on her experience in the competition to outperform the other participants.
“It was good to compete again this year although it’s always hard to perform your best under pressure and in a different environment,” she said.
The annual Mitsubishi Service Skills Program began in 1999 and recognisesexcellence in customer service and technical expertise across Mitsubishi’s national network of more than 200 dealerships.
The program promotes and develops Mitsubishi service staff and helps to increase customer satisfaction, reduce warranty costs, improve product knowledge for staff, and encourage efficient work practices across Mitsubishi dealerships nationally.
Competitors were strong in both categories, with a total of 265 service advisors and 579 technicians taking up the challenge. After nation-wide preliminary testing and regional qualifiers, the top five technicians and service advisors travelled to Adelaide to decide one national winner for each category.
The technician finalists faced five practical tests on vehicles and engines across the Mitsubishi range, with only a limited time at each station to diagnose a problem. Under pressure to correctly identify any issues, all contestants performed well displaying a broad range of technical skills and comprehensive product knowledge.
Customer service role-play put service advisors through their paces, with scenarios that ensured their skills were put to the test. Although they were inundated with “customer” enquiries and demands, each finalist was polite, helpful and professional at all times.
MMAL’s Service Improvement Coordinator, Stephen Robinson, said the event was a great success and encouraged all participants to take part in the next program.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank all participants for their hard work and dedication in the 2011 Mitsubishi Service Skills Program,” Mr Robinson said.
Mitsubishi’s 200-plus national dealer network provides excellent servicing standards for all of the company’s passenger and commercial vehicles.
| Service Technicians |
| Rod |
Howes |
Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi |
Ipswich |
QLD |
| Zivko |
Dukleski |
Parramatta Mitsubishi |
Camellia |
NSW |
| Ryan |
Kilby |
Berwick Mitsubishi |
Berwick |
VIC |
| Nathan |
Kadow |
Southland Mitsubishi |
Goodwood |
SA |
| Joe |
Federico |
John Hughes Mitsubishi |
Victoria Park |
WA |
| Service Advisors |
| Carla |
Smith |
Len Patti Mitsubishi |
Toowoomba |
QLD |
| Terry |
Witt |
Wanneroo Mitsubishi |
Morley |
WA |
| Jessica |
Hankinson |
McIlroy Mitsubishi |
Victor Harbor |
SA |
| Tim |
Standing |
Kloster Mitsubishi |
Newcastle |
NSW |
| Shane |
Thomson |
Berwick Mitsubishi |
Berwick |
VIC |
Bangkok – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced it will sell its all-new Mirage “global compact car” in Thailand starting from 28 March 2012.
The Mirage is a “global compact car” developed under a revolutionary concept thatfulfils the needs of both fast-growing emerging markets as an entry-level car and the eco-conscious advanced markets with its superior environmental performance.
The Mirage will be made at a brand-new third factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s (MMTh) Laem Chabang Plant; the largest MMC plant outside of Japan. The Mirage will first be sold in Thailand, followed by ASEAN countries, Japan, Europe, then expand to other markets successively.
Mr Osamu Masuko, President of MMC, noted just before a ceremony marking the event in Thailand:
“I am pleased to present the Mirage first in Thailand. The Mirage is an all-new compact car focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission, just right for the times where demand for superior fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness are increasing all over the world. I would like to personally thank the Thai government for their promotion of their Eco-car Program, allowing us the chance to bolster our Thai operations. After Thailand, the Mirage will be exported to ASEAN countries, then gradually make its way around the world.”
The Mirage’s Product Features:
- Delivers fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions that are among the best in its class thanks to the all-new MIVEC*1 engine and thoroughly reduced aerodynamic resistance and rolling resistance.
- Provides nimble handling inherent to a compact car while utilising high-efficiency packaging to maintain interior space for five adults.
- Optimisation of the body structure and more extensive use of high-tensile strength panel make the vehicle some seven percent*2 lighter than is normal for its class, contributing to better fuel economy. The Mirage uses Mitsubishi’s impact-resistant RISE*3 body, which absorbs and distributes impact force to deliver high levels of occupant safety.High level of quality achieved through MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System), a comprehensive quality management system that sets and assesses/evaluates the achievement of specific performance benchmarks within each stage of operations from vehicle planning, sales and after-sales services, and MMPW (Mitsubishi Motors Production Way), a unified global quality assurance framework.
- In addition, prior to production, MMC have stationed experienced inspectors from its Japanese factories in Thailand to inspect manufactured units at the new third factory in order to make sure that the same quality standards from its Japanese factories are reached.
*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2 Weight ratio calculated by applying ratio of high-tensile steel used in the Colt to the Mirage.
*3: Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
The Thai-market Mirage will be equipped with a 1.2L MIVEC engine that delivers fuel efficiency of 22km/L*4, among the best in its class, and above the Thai government’s requirements for “eco-car” certification*5. The Thai-market Mirage will be priced between THB 380,000 to 551,000 depending on trim level, and plans are to sell 2,500 units per month in Thailand.
*4: Calculated internally using ECE R101 Rev.01 Combine Mode.
*5: Qualifications: based on European calculation methods, more that 5L/100KM(20km/L), reach EURO4 exhaust gas regulations, invest THB5 billion into production in Thailand, and produce 100,000 units per year after the fifth year of production.
MMC announced its JUMP 2013 three-year business plan in January 2011, and one of the pillars of the plan calls for putting operating resources into emerging markets. Among “emerging markets,” MMC puts particular emphasis on strengthening its operating base in the ASEAN region. The production and worldwide export of the Mirage from Thailand is an important tactic that embodies this strategy. Moving forward, MMC will continue to aggressively bolster its operations in high-potential emerging markets.
Overview of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh)
- Office Address:
88 Moo 11 Phaholyothin Road, Klongneung, Klongluang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
- Laem Chabang Plant:
199 Moo 3, Laemchabang Industrial Estates, Tungsukhla, Sriracha, Chonburi20230, Thailand
- President: Mr. Nobuyuki Murahashi
- Capital: THB 7,000,000
- Number of Employees: 6,400
- Date of Establishment: January 1987
- Models Produced:
- Factory No.1: Lancer, Lancer EX, Pajero Sport
- Factory No.2: Triton (L200)
- Factory No.3: Mirage
- Production Volume: 199,760 units (FY2010, 16.8% of MMC’s total production volume)
- Cumulative YTD Production Volume: 2,360,000 units (as of February 2012)
Tokyo – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be showing a total of 15 vehicles (12 on Press Day 1) at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, held at the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre in Tokyo from November 30 through to December 11 (open to the public from December 3).
Two cars will make their world premiere at the show: the Mirage and the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II. They respectively embody two major pillars to the company’s product strategy outlined in the JUMP 2013 mid-term business plan: global strategic models focused on emerging markets and models featuring “green technology”. The Mirage compact car embodies the global model strategy while the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II SUV features “green technology” with its unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Also at the Mitsubishi Motors booth will be the MINICAB-MiEV light commercial electric vehicle, due to be released in the Japanese market in December this year and the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV) which is currently on sale in countries all over the world including European countries, Australia and is to be rolled out in the United States by the end of this year.
Alongside these will be theRVR compact SUV (ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets) powered by a new MIVEC1 engine that incorporates MMC’s Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology, and the Pajero (Montero or Shogun in some markets) SUV powered by a “clean diesel” engine.
The Mitsubishi Motors booth will also feature the MiEV House, a concept of a “smart house” that tackles energy and global warming by managing energy usage between the home itself, “smart appliances,” EVs/plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and “smart grids” all at the same time through HEMS (Home Energy Management System) and MMC’s own EIS (Electric Vehicle Integration System).
HEMS makes life more comfortable for people living in homes installed with it by continually monitoring power available to power being used and optimizing both so that effects of energy shortages and energy costs can be reduced. Connected to a “smart home” with HEMS, EIS constantly monitors EV/PHEV battery usage and efficiency (which varies on how the EV/PHEV is driven), feeds this information to HEMS, which then optimizes charging from the house so that the EV/PHEValways has enough energy in it.
In addition to the MiEV House will be the MiEV Café, a relaxation space powered by the battery of an electric vehicle parked right beside it. The electric vehicle will power the MiEV Café through a new heavy-duty power supply device, also on display, that enables the supply of up to 1500W from EV and PHEV batteries. The heavy-duty power supply device is to go on sale in Japan within this fiscal year.
1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
Outline of World Premieres
1. Mirage
The Mirage’s2 design focused on compactness, affordability, and high fuel efficiency in order to fit the needs of emerging markets as an affordable entry-level model as well as needs of advanced markets for fuel efficiency and low-CO2emission. In addition, the Mirage features good maneuverability and easy drivabilityinherent to a compact car while also providing a comfortable interior space for five adults.
MMC has targeted top-of-class fuel efficiency (Japan market version) of 30km perlitre through a variety of measures including painstaking reduction in weight throughout almost every part of the car, reduction in rolling resistance and higher efficiency through detailed improvements to the engine, transmission, brakes andtyres, and an aerodynamic body that reduces air resistance and drag. The new Mirage is due to go on sale first in Thailand in March 2012.
Mirage specifications (Japan market version)
| Overall length |
3710 mm |
| Overall width |
1665 mm |
| Overall height |
1490 mm |
| Occupants |
5 |
| Engine |
1.0L 3-cylinder MIVEC with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) |
| Transmission |
CVT |
| Target fuel efficiency |
30 km/L |
| Drivetrain |
2WD |
| Tyres |
165/65R14 |
2: Stems from the English word “mirage.” The name was first used for the Mirage series developed for resource/energy/space-saving and high-performance in a compact package which debuted in Japan in March 1978. The new Mirage concept inherits the essence of that first series: cleverly getting the most performance and function out of a limited space.
2. Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II
MMC has been focusing its EV technology in the Japanese minicar class. MMCbecame the first major automobile manufacturer to bring a mass-produced electric vehicle to market when it rolled out the i-MiEV next-generation EV in 2009.
The company will introduce its second mass-produced EV—the MINICAB-MiEVminicar-class light commercial EV—in December this year. These models are very popular as city commuters – vehicles used for transporting small groups of passengers over short distances in urban areas.
Not anymore. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is Mitsubishi Motors’ idea for a mid-size plug-in hybrid PHEV model that offers a long cruising range demanded by mid-size and larger vehicles.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II contains a state-of-the-art drivetrain derived from MMC’s already existing EV technology that delivers the environmental performance and quietness inherent to an EV in an SUV package that provides more comfortable motoring and allows for higher utility outside of a city commuter.
The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II, with its high environmental performance and fuel efficiency, effectively extinguishes many negative perceptions of SUVs. MMC’sunique plug-in hybrid system fuses EV technology derived from the i-MiEV with a small conventional engine that features MMC’s latest fuel and environmental efficiency technologies. This combination provides not only a combined fuel efficiency3 of more than 60km per litre, far superior than that of a conventional engine-driven car, but also very high levels of environmental performance while maintaining a cruising range on a par with conventional engine-driven vehicles (over 800 km).
MMC’s plug-in hybrid system uses high-capacity batteries that allow the vehicle to cover over 50 km in all-electric mode alone, allowing it to be driven solely as an EVfor most everyday situations. Depending on power consumption and remaining battery charge, the system will start the engine automatically as a generator and the engine can also be used to help drive the wheels as necessary.
In addition, with the push of a button, the driver has the freedom to select Battery Drive Mode when he/she wishes to drive quietly and emissions-free (at sufficient battery levels) in residential areas or the countryside using pure EV power. At the same time, the driver can also switch to Battery Charge Mode while on the move, controlling use of battery power and using the engine as a generator to charge the batteries.
A socket fitted to the vehicle allows the electricity stored in the drive batteries to be used to power electric appliances when camping or in other outdoor pursuits, or to provide an emergency power source. In addition, the quick-charge port is vehicle-to-home (V2H) compatible.
Another feature of the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II, apart from its outstanding environmental performance, is its drivetrain which uses a newly developed twin-motor four-wheel-drivesystem mated to Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) advanced traction control system. Based on the four-wheel-drive technology developed and honed in the Lancer Evolution X models, S-AWC delivers pure driving pleasure by maneuvering effortlessly to the driver’s will while maintaining high levels of stability and safety.
In addition to superior handling, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II provides 100 per cent instant off-the-line torque inherent to electric motors, giving it acceleration comparable to that of a 3.0-litre V6 engine. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II takes environmentally-friendly vehicles to a new level with its unique blend of fuel and environmental efficiency, performance, and utility.
3: Representative fuel efficiency figure based on a combination of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency when driven in all-electric mode, called the plug-in fuel efficiency, and when driven in hybrid mode, called the hybrid fuel efficiency.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II specifications
| Overall length |
4660 mm |
| Overall width |
1830 mm |
| Overall height |
1680 mm |
| Occupants |
5 |
| Motors
(front and rear) |
Type |
Permanent magnet synchronous |
| Max. output |
60kW each |
| Engine |
Type |
2.0L MIVEC 4-cylinder |
| Generating capacity |
70kW |
| Target motor-only driving range |
> 50 km |
| Target combined cruising range |
> 800 km |
| Target combined fuel efficiency |
> 60 km/L |
| Drivetrain |
Twin-motor 4WD with S-AWC |
| Tyres |
235/55R18 |
Mitsubishi Motors lineup on Press Day 1 (November 30)
| Model |
No. on display |
Notes |
| MIRAGE |
2 |
World premiere |
Mitsubishi Concept
PX-MiEV II |
1 |
World premiere |
| i-MiEV |
4 |
Japanese market model x 2; North American market modelx1; European market model x 1 |
| MINICAB-MiEV |
2 |
|
|
RVR |
1 |
Japan-spec model powered by new MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G), also called ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets |
| Delica D:5 |
1 |
Powered by new MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G). |
| Pajero |
1 |
Powered by MMC’s own “clean diesel” engine |
| Total |
12 |
|
Mitsubishi Motors lineup after Press Day 1
| Model |
No. on display |
Notes |
| MIRAGE |
2 |
World premiere |
| MITSUBISHI ConceptPX-MiEV II |
1 |
World premiere |
| i-MiEV |
2 |
|
| MINICAB-MiEV |
2 |
|
| RVR |
1 |
Japan-spec model powered by new MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G), also called ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets |
| Galant Fortis |
1 |
Japan-spec model powered by new MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G), also called Lancer or Lancer EX in some markets |
| Delica D:5 |
2 |
One model powered by new MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G). |
| Pajero |
1 |
Powered by MMC’s own “clean diesel” engine. |
| Outlander |
1 |
|
| Delica D:2 |
1 |
|
| Delica D:3 |
1 |
|
| Total |
15 |
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) welcomes the arrival of the 2012 model year Triton utility line-up with the introduction of two new models; the 4×2 GLX-R Double Cab and the 4×4 GL-R Club Cab.
The 2012 Triton offers a high powered turbo-diesel engine with class leading power, a range of safety features and the addition of numerous specification and styling upgrades to offer the most versatile and feature-packed Triton line-up yet.
MMAL president and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, is proud to roll out the 2012 Triton range, and is confident that sales for the versatile and tough utility will continue to grow with the release of the two new models.
“The Triton range caters for every customer, whether they need a rugged workhorse, a comfortable family vehicle or a combination of both,” Nishina said.
The 4×2 GLX-R Double Cab is based on its 4×4 counterpart. With three-tonne towing capacity, auto air-conditioning and USB port, the new model is perfect for customers who need a hardworking vehicle without four-wheel drive capabilities.
The second new model to join the Triton 2012 line-up, 4×4 GL-R Club Cab, is based on the model year 2012 GLX. The cabin features a leather steering wheel and gear shifter and the inclusion of floor carpet to give a comfortable feel. The Triton’s functionality and lines have been enhanced with the addition of a rear step bumper, side steps, stylish front bumper, 16-inch alloys and a sports bar.
Across the Triton 4×2 variants there have been a number of specification and styling upgrades, starting with the entry-level GL Single Cab and GLX Single Cab models which both gain sports seats with vinyl flooring, floor console with lid and the ability to adjust the height of the driver’s seat. In addition, ABS with EBD is now standard on the GL model while the GLX now comes with Active Stability and Traction Control.
Safety has been improved on the 4×2 GLX Double Cab Diesel with the addition of Active Stability and Traction Control as standard. This model, along with the 4×2 GL-R Double Cab, gain a rear centre three point seat belt and head restraint plus centre arm rest with cup holder. The GL-R also gets an updated front bumper and grille to refresh the exterior.
The entry-level 4×4 Triton GLX Single Cab’s cabin has been upgraded to include sport seats with vinyl flooring, floor console with lid and driver’s seat height adjustment. Externally, the GLX gets 16-inch steel wheels and front fender flares while safety is improved through the inclusion of Active Stability and Traction Control as standard.
The next model up, the hard-working 4×4 GLX Club Cab, is now tougher than ever with towing capacity increased to three tonnes and the inclusion of ASTC as standard. The exterior also receives an update thanks to wider 16-inch steel wheels and tyres as well as front and rear fender flares.
The 4×4 Triton’s 2.5-litre engine with 131 kW of power at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm delivers combined fuel economy figures of between 8.0 to 8.3L/100km, depending on the model. Automatic variants generate a similar amount of power, 350Nm of torque, and achieve a combined fuel economy figure of between 9.3 – 9.6L/100km, depending on model.
The two-wheel drive 2012 Triton GL retains the popular 2.4-litre petrol engine while the GLX, GL-R and GLX-R are available with the economical 2.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine generates 94kW of power @ 5250 rpm and 194 Nm of torque @ 4000 rpm, offers economical fuel consumption figures of 10.9 litres per 100 km and is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine generates 100 kW @ 3800 rpm and 314 Nm @ 2,000 rpm, and returns economy figures of 8.2- (manual) and 8.6- (automatic) litres per 100 kilometres.
Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology (MATT) is standard on all GLX-R models, and features the acclaimed Super Select four-wheel drive system, which includes ASTC, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and an optional Diff Lock.
All 2012 Tritons have standard driver and front passenger SRS airbags, front and rear door impact bars, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and child restraint points.
The 2012 Triton model range presents customer’s with flexibility, with five two-wheel drive models and six four-wheel drive models, catering for all requirements.
“Mitsubishi offers a utility vehicle that really does have the lot. Powerful and tough enough to get through a work day while still being stylish, efficient and comfortable enough to get around town, the Triton line-up is versatile and functional,” Nishina said.
To celebrate 30 years in Australia, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released the 30th Anniversary Edition Triton, combining the Triton’s tough build with a host of extra features.
Based on the 2012 model year 4×4 GLX-R, the 30th Anniversary Edition is available with a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine coupled with five speed manual or Sports Mode automatic transmission and features unique 30th Anniversary badging.
The interior of the Triton receives a number of luxury touches including leather seat trim, power driver’s seat and leather console lid. Also included in the limited edition model is the Mitsubishi Power Sound System with eight speakers and amplifier for superior in-car sound.
MMAL vice-president of corporate strategy, Paul Stevenson, said the 30th Anniversary Edition Triton combines the Triton’s legendary tough build with style and comfort.
“The 30th Anniversary Edition Triton delivers superior four-wheel driveability and the comfort and safety features Mitsubishi is known for, with a few luxury touches added to celebrate MMAL’s important milestone,” Stevenson said.
The Triton 30th Anniversary Edition boasts a four star ANCAP safety rating with safety features including Active Stability and Traction Control, dual front, side and curtain SRS airbags, ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body system with front crumple zones to absorb collision energy as well as reinforced supports.
The Triton 30th Anniversary Edition is available in White, Black, Red, Cool Silver, Charcoal, Dark Blue and Ironbark.
Mitsubishi offers a 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, free five year/130,000km Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership*.
* Excludes government, rental, and some fleet buyers
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced increased safety and luxury appointments to the legendary Pajero range as part of the model year 2012 updates. With reversing cameras now available on most variants and a number of exterior and interior changes, the 2012 Pajero family boasts functionality, safety and style.
Outside, Mitsubishi’s popular Pajero receives an updated look for model year 2012 with the addition of a stylish new front bumper and radiator grille to all variants along with new design 18-inch alloys on the VRX and Exceed models to complement the sleek fresh-look Pajero front.
In addition to the stylish exterior update across the range, Pajero models GLX, GLS and VRX now come standard with an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror which features a reversing monitor. This safety feature was added due to the increasing popularity of SUV vehicles, giving Pajero drivers greater visibility when reversing. The camera view appears automatically in the mirror when the reverse gear is engaged. The Exceed model continues to offer the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System which features a reversing camera, as standard.
Comfort and convenience within the cabin is optimised across the entire Pajero range with new trim material, the inclusion of driver power window auto up/down with safety system and a change to red dash-lights illumination.
MMAL’s president and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, said the new-look Pajero range offers outstanding four-wheel drive capabilities with extra comfort and style.
“The 2012 Pajero range has a model to suit any lifestyle, offering customers functionality, safety and power in an attractive package,” said Nishina.
The 2012 Pajero range is available with a powerful, fuel-efficient 3.2-litre Common Rail turbo diesel engine with the option of a 3.8-litre MIVEC petrol engine in the Exceed model. The Common Rail turbo diesel delivers a massive 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque while providing a smooth and fuel-efficient ride. The MIVEC petrol engine option provides up to 184kW of power while delivering minimal fuel consumption and improved driveability.
With such impressive power and torque, the Pajero’s huge three tonne towing capacity means everything from a boat or caravan to a trailer can be towed with confidence. With flexible seating for up to seven people, the Pajero is the ultimate family car and because the third row of seats can be completely removed or folded and stored under the rear floor, there’s even more room to fit everything in.
The Pajero range offers outstanding occupant and driver safety utilising the latest Mitsubishi safety technology. Standard safety equipment includes Mitsubishi’s RISE body protection along with front driver and passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags.
All Pajeros are equipped with MATT (Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology) which delivers superior off-road control and outstanding on-road safety and handling. MATT incorporates a number of systems including Active Stability and Traction Control, ABS braking system with EBD and Super Select 4WD II. Super Select 4WD II lets the driver alternate between 2WD and 4WD modes at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on any surface, making the switch from on-road fuel efficiency to off-road traction simple.
Available colour choices across the 2012 Pajero range include Cool Silver, Graphite, Champagne, Ironbark Warm White, White and the new pearlescent Pitch Black.
The Pajero Platinum is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, free five year/130,000km Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership.
The Pajero GL, GLX, GLS, VRX and Exceed are available now at over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia-wide.
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